OAKLAND — Maybe in the National League, being pitted against Jeff Samardzija could’ve been a little enjoyable for Scott Feldman. He’d get to swing it.

“We were talking, it probably would be a little more fun if we were hitting off each other,” Feldman said of his 2013 Cubs teammate. “When you’re in the AL, it’s not really the same I guess.”

Nothing could actually be fun against Samardzija when he’s on like this, though.

The A’s handed it to the Astros for a second straight day, 13-1, behind their newest weapon, the big righty who came over from the Chicago Cubs in a big trade on July 5.

Samardzija slammed a 96-mph fastball past Robbie Grossman on his 101st and final pitch Thursday afternoon, for a strikeout swinging. It was just another overmatch in a series overflowing with them for the Astros.

“It’s a lot of deep counts,” manager Bo Porter said. “The reason they went out and got Samardzija is because he can give them games like he gave them today. You talk about a front of the rotation guy that gave ’em eight strong innings and pretty much had complete command of the game. And then offensively, they did what it is they’ve done pretty much done the entire season. They make you work, they make you throw strikes.”

The mashing A’s have won 13 games by eight runs or more this season.

Every so often, the Astros run into these types of games, where the contrast between baseball’s best and worst teams is glaring.

The Astros’ avoidance of a three-game sweep shouldn’t be demeaned, really, because the A’s have been so dominant. Baseball’s best team is 23-11 in its last 34 games, and sits a season-high 25 games over .500 at 63-38. The A’s are atop the American League West.

Samardzija, 29, only increases the A’s chances of a deep postseason run, assuming they can stave off the hot second-place Angels. Those two teams are baseball’s only with 60 wins, and Samardzija has thrown at least seven innings in each of his first four starts with his new team.

“I think he’s one of the better pitchers honestly,” Feldman said. “He can throw the ball 96, 97 in the eighth inning. He’s got a really good split, slider.”

Feldman and Samardzija were teammates for half a year in 2013 with the Cubs. Feldman was dealt midseason in ’13 to help a contender, the Orioles, a similar path Samardzija followed this season.

“I don’t think this team improves by trading Scott Feldman,” Samardzija said last July, according to the Chicago Tribune. “He was one of our better pitchers. He’s thrown a lot of innings, a solid dude, a solid guy in the clubhouse.

“It’s a shame to see him go.”

Maybe the pals can be reunited some day.

“He’s one of those guys like, you love to have him on your team,” Feldman said. “One of the best pitchers but, also one of the best teammates, you know? Hope I get a chance to play with him again some day. Really enjoyed playing with him.”

The only Astros runs Thursday was a homer from the scorching hot Chris Carter, who drilled one off the left-field foul pole in the fourth inning. Brandon Moss had the big blow for the A’s, ripping a grand slam in a five-run sixth inning. The Astros trailed 4-1 heading into the frame.

This isn’t the best of times for the Astros (42-59) in any capacity. From union grievances, to losing to cable-network bankruptcy proceedings to injuries, it’s hard to find the silver lining.

Actually, of late, one man has stood out besides Jose Altuve, who racked up another two hits on Thursday: Carter.

He has seven home runs in his last 14 games, with a .323 average, .368 on-base percentage and .758 slugging percentage in July.

“Is that a real question?” Carter joked when asked if this is as good as he’s felt all year. “I think I’m swinging at better pitches. I think pitch selection is probably the biggest thing.”

The Astros do have a milestone to reach in 10 wins, though: eclipsing last year’s win 51-win tally.

Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez was pulled late in the game Thursday to help rest his sore right hamstring. Manager Bo Porter said Thursday morning he was concerned about Gonzalez, but did not announce a roster move after the game. Jonathan Villar is faring well of late at Class AAA Oklahoma City.